It now belongs to you

It is not easy to find words to describe what happened at this year's l-Istrina. There was something magical about it which defies explanation. From the unprecedented level of donations, to the enthusiastic participation of our guests, to the massive support we received from all, this year there was an extra something in the air.

Starting with the sum raised, never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate hitting Lm880,000 or anywhere near that figure.

In fact, throughout the two and a half months of preparations, the most we allowed ourselves to hope for was matching last year's figure of Lm476,00.

But to practically double it was an experience we will never forget for the rest of our lives. In relative terms, a similar charity in the UK would have had to raise Lm140 million.

And it was your unrestrained generosity that made it happen. There was no difference in the size of the hearts of the three children who came in with Lm10 pitched in from their pocket money to that of the businessmen who donated up to Lm10,000 and the hundreds of thousands of callers phoning in their donations. Everyone was at the heart of l-Istrina.

Behind the scenes, you could almost touch that special something in the air.

Whether it was the smile on the faces of the men trying to fit into their dresses to perform, the hands and ears of the politicians from all three political parties manning the phones or the gleam in the eyes of the entire team keeping it all together, there was an atmosphere of genuine oneness.

This year's l-Istrina has confirmed one very important thing. An event which started a decade ago as a small affair with a big dream has now become a national institution.

It now belongs to everyone because everyone belongs to it.

Now l-Istrina is no longer ours or anyone else's because all of you have made it yours.

There could not be a greater satisfaction for us. Once again, thank you from the depth of our hearts.